Sonic Lunch is a free lunchtime music concert series every Thursday, noon – 1:30pm, from June 2 to August 25 (except Art Fair week) in Liberty Plaza.

The fourth season of Bank of Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch kicks off at noon on Thursday, June 2 in Liberty Plaza, at the corner of Division and Liberty in downtown Ann Arbor.
This year’s lunch specials are different than in years past. Weekly restaurant partners will be available with box lunches on site along with beverage partners including coffee and smoothies. This year’s restaurant partners include:
- June 2 – Conor O’Neills, Mighty Good (coffee)
- June 9 – Sabor Latino, Smoothie King (smoothies)
- June 16 – Jamaican Jerk Pit, Sweetwaters Café (coffee)
- June 23 – Blue Nile, Lab Café (coffee)
- June 30 – Squares, Biggby (coffee)
- July 7 – Taste Our Goods, Biggby (coffee)
- July 14 – Bar Louie, Sweetwaters Café (coffee)
- July 21 – ART FAIR
- July 28 – Sava’s, Café Ambrosia (coffee)
- August 4 – Argerio’s, Mighty Good (coffee)
- August 11 – Jimma’s BBQ, Lab Café (coffee)
- August 18 – Pizza House, Smoothie King (smoothies)
- August 25 – Ashley’s, Café Ambrosia (coffee)
Bands playing at Bank of Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch include local and regional favorites along with several nationally touring acts. View the 2011 schedule of bands below.

We are excited to announce that Jo Pichan has joined the Charles Reinhart Company as a full-time real estate agent.

Having lived in the area for over 35 years, Jo is very familiar with Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Jo owned a local gift shop and an interior design/wall paper and carpet business. In her role as a business owner, Jo developed repor with her clients be being patient, knowledgeable and dependable. In addition, Jo’s family owns a carpet cleaning business that has been in business for over thirty years.
In her spare time, Jo enjoys cooking, taking photos, gardening and spending time with her family.
Jo Pichan can be reached at (734) 669-5993 or jpichan@reinhartrealtors.com.
Today we are featuring Jason Boggs’s Ann Arbor Listing – 1503 Scio Ridge Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

What distinctive features set this home apart?
This home has several environmentally conscious “green” features including nu-wool insulation, bamboo floors and a trex deck. In addition, this three-bedroom contemporary home has an open floor plan and a finished walk-out lower level that is plumbed for a third bathroom.

What are they advantages of the location & neighborhood?
Located in the Ravines, this home is located in the Ann Arbor School District and has the benefit of Scio Township taxes. Tucked in the back of a quiet and friendly neighborhood, the homeowner will be able to enjoy shared common space including trails, woods, ponds, open space and parks with neighboring subdivisions
What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
The trex deck overlooks the backyard which backs up to the woods and ravine. The new homeowner will be able to enjoy the beautiful views of wildlife as well as a pond.

If you would like more information about 1503 Scio Ridge Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Jason Boggs at (734) 665-0300.
Readers of AnnArbor.com were asked to vote for the Best Nursery/Garden Store in Washtenaw County. After a week of voting, The Potting Shed, in Chelsea, Michigan, was crowned champion. Abbott’s Landscape Nursery and Garden Center in Ann Arbor took 2nd and Pot & Box, a new Ann Arbor business, was took third place overall.

The Potting Shed is an antique shop located in the vibrant, historic downtown Chelsea. Known as a place where you can find vintage collectibles and contemporary treasures, The Potting Shed features vintage linens, antique furnishings, garden ware, birdhouses, handmade bath and body items and handcrafted herbal wreaths.
This week “Best Of” is looking to find the Best Bridal Shop in Washtenaw County. Cast your vote on AnnArbor.com for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a local bridal shop.
A majority of home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a home based on its curb appeal. Landscape designer, Micheal Glassman, provides 6 tips for guaranteed curb appeal.

- Add splashes of color. With every changing season, a landscape should provide a new display of colors, textures, and fragrances. “It’s best to use one or two and repeat them,” Glassman says. Example: white iceberg roses that bloom in spring, summer, and fall as a backdrop; in front, a contrasting punch of purple salvia or lavender that will flower at the same time; and as an accent, a crape myrtle tree that provides changing leaf colors in fall and interesting branches come winter.
- Size trees and shrubs to scale. These should be planted in the right scale for the house so that they don’t block windows, doors, and other architectural features on the home’s facade. A large two-story house can handle a redwood, Chinese pistache, sycamore, or scarlet oak, but a one-story cottage is better paired with a flowering cherry, crabapple, or eastern redbud. Too many trees cast too much shadow and cause potential buyers to worry about maintenance and costs.
- Maintain a perfect lawn. A velvety green lawn demonstrates tender loving care, so be sure sellers’ homes don’t have brown spots. Some rocks, pebbles, boulders, drought-tolerant plants, and ornamental grasses will generate more kudos, especially in drought areas.
- Light up the outside. Good illumination allows buyers to see a home at night and adds drama. Sellers should use low-voltage lamps to highlight branches of specimen trees, a front door, walk, and corners of the house. But less is better. The yard should not resemble an airport runway.
- Let them hear the water. The sound of water appeals to buyers, and you should not just reserve this for your backyard. A small fountain accented with rocks provides a pleasant gurgling sound, blocks street noise, and is affordable.
- Use decorative architectural elements. A new mailbox, planted window boxes, and a low fence wrapped in potato vines add cachet, particularly during winter months when fewer plants blossom. Colors should complement the landscape and home. Just don’t overdo it: too much can seem like kitschy lawn ornaments.
Source: RealtorMag
The Charles Reinhart Company was recently recognized by the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber for being on the 2011 Business-Education Honor Roll. According to the Chamber, businesses on the Honor Roll must meet one of the following criteria:
- Release employees with pay for a minimum of 8-hours per year to volunteer in the K-12 schools and/or participate in the various school-to-work programs available.
- Host students in their company through a job shadowing or internship program.
- Contribute cash or in-kind donations to K-12 schools.

2011 Business-Education Honor Roll Members:
826 Michigan
Ann Arbor District Library
Ann Arbor Hands on Museum
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
AnnArbor.com
Ann Arbor SPARK
Bank of Ann Arbor
Bodman LLP
Briarwood Mall
Butzel Long
Charles Reinhart Company, Realtors
City of Ann Arbor
Citizens Bank
City of Ypsilanti
Cleary University
Coach’s Catastrophe Cleaning & Restoration Services
Comcast
Comerica Bank
College Nannies & Tutors
Cooley Law School
Corner Health Center
Domino’s Pizza
Eagle Crest Conference Resort & Golf Club
Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University Athletics
Edward Jones Investments –Les Heddle
Friends of the Ypsilanti Police Department
General Dynamics
Google
HMB Group
High/Scope Educational Research Foundation
Home Builders Association
Huron Valley Ambulance
Hylant Group
IBEW Local 252
Janowiak Funeral Home Inc.
KeyBank
Liberty Title Agency
Live Well Chiropractic Center, PLLC
Main Street Ventures
Meijer 27
Manchester & Associates
Menlo Innovations
Michigan Small Business Technology and Development Center
NSF International
Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels PC
Phoenix Contractors
Pittsfield Township
Plumbers & Pipefitters – Local Union 190
SERVPRO of Canton & Washtenaw County
SRT Solutions
Real Estate One
SOS Community Services
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
T & C Federal Credit Union
TDS Metrocom
University Musical Society
The University of Michigan
University of Michigan – Business Engagement Center
University of Michigan Athletics
University of Michigan Health System
University of Michigan Museum of Art
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Contractors Association
Washtenaw County Government
Washtenaw County Workforce Development/ETCS
Washtenaw Federal Credit Union
Washtenaw Literacy
Ypsilanti Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ypsilanti Charter Township
Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority
Ypsilanti Courier
Ypsilanti District Library
Ypsilanti Police Department
Zingerman’s
Today we are featuring Maria Gilbert’s Ann Arbor Condominium Listing – 2317 Packard Boulevard B201, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

What distinctive features set this home apart?
This is a great Ann Arbor Condo for someone who wants to live comfortably and efficiently. With an open floor plan and several windows, this condo gets a lot of natural light. The owner has taken great care of this condo, installing new carpet and improving the counter tops. This condo truly is in move-in condition.
What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
Close to downtown Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan campus, this condo is in a great location. Within walking distance are Fraser’s Pub, Morgan and York, Dairy Queen and several coffee shops.
Does the community have any amenities we should know about?
The condo community has a great pool to enjoy on warm summer days. Onsite locked storage is provided, in addition to interior bike storage and an assigned carport. The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) bus stop is right in front of the complex.

If you would like more information about 2317 Packard Boulevard B201, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Maria Gilbert at (734) 730-9346.
Today we are featuring Rob Ewing’s Ann Arbor Listing – 3808 Curlew Lane, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

What distinctive features set this home apart?
This moderate sized 3-bedroom mid-century California style home includes cathedral ceilings and open beams throughout.
Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
Consistently renovated and upgraded, this home had a 500 square foot addition which included a family room, dining nook and formal dining room all overlooking Green Oak Lake. A large deck was added to the back of the home as well as pavers and a rebuilt entry way. All appliances have been upgraded as needed including the furnace, water softener and water heater. Beautiful Corian counter tops were added to the kitchen as well.
What views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
No matter what season it is, the homeowner will be able to enjoy amazing views all year long. This home is directly across from a small island where swans nest. The new homeowner will be able to enjoy canoeing or kayaking as well as swimming and fishing in Green Oak Lake.

If you would like more information about 3808 Curlew Lane, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Rob Ewing at (734) 669-6851 .
The Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw (WXW), a local nonprofit organization developed for women growing successful companies in Michigan, hosts unique events where women business leaders really talk through their issues, share experiences and ideas and form lasting connections. WXW’s signature event is their annual all-day forum for business leaders.

This year marks the 4th Annual May Forum11 where hundreds of business leaders will come together for a day of learning, networking, growing and fun through workshops, panels and a keynote speaker.
Debra Fine, author of several bestselling books including The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation and The Fine Art of the Big Talk: How to Win Clients, Deliver Great Presentations, and Solve Conflicts at Work, is the keynote speaker at this year’s Annual May Forum11. Her interactive presentation will be followed by WXW’s signature exchange sessions.
The Charles Reinhart Company is proud to be a Leader Circle Sponsor of the Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw. Visit WXW online for more information or to register for the Annual May Forum11.
Annual May Forum11
Friday, May 20
Eagle Crest Conference Center
1275 South Huron Street, Ypsilanti
8am – 7pm
The Pedestrian and Bicycling Information Center recently awarded 11 communities across the country with the inaugural Walk Friendly Communities Award. Ann Arbor was recognized for its commitment to improving and sustaining walkability.
Ann Arbor was designated as a Gold-level community due to the city’s outstanding planning practices, excellent sidewalk network and walking volumes.

According to the Pedestrian and Bicycling Information Centers, highlights of Ann Arbor’s application include:
- Ann Arbor’s focus on creating a walkable environment with amenities such as sidewalk furniture, planters, wayfinding signage, fountains, and information kiosks.
- Ann Arbor Safe Streets and Sidewalks Taskforce, which brings stakeholders together around pedestrian safety issues.
- Traffic calming initiatives to reduce speeds along residential streets by employing speed humps, traffic circles and raised intersections among others.
- Implementing a successful Crossing Guard Program which creates a safe walking environment for children and fosters a culture of walking in a community.
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